Reading -- she thinks she can -- but she can't

Last post 06-05-2009 1:14 AM by ChristineM. 1 replies.
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  • 06-04-2009 3:02 PM

    • Heidi
    • Top 150 Contributor
    • Joined on 12-31-2008
    • Posts 2

    Reading -- she thinks she can -- but she can't

    I am wriitng about my 7 year old daughter, Alexa. Her teacher has informed me that she is really struggling academically in school, but when asked about reading, she beams and calls herself a good reader. However, when we read together she really struggles with sounding out words and does not want to practice. From word to word she cannot remember vowel sounds and.or patterns (can, fan, man). I want to use EFT to tap with her around her reading -- or inability to read. The only problem is that she thinks she reads just fine! :) She does not complain of not being able to read -- or spell or write. How do I tap without saying: "Even though reading is hard for me . . ." Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Heidi
    HandRight
    Heidi Johnston
    Handwriting Without Tears Certified Instructor
    Licensed K-12 Teacher
  • 06-05-2009 1:14 AM In reply to

    • ChristineM
    • Top 10 Contributor
    • Joined on 06-15-2007
    • Amersham, England
    • Posts 71

    Re: Reading -- she thinks she can -- but she can't

    Hello Heidi,

    An interesting question. You are absolutely right, it wouldn't be a good idea at all to tap using those words. The last thing we want to do is burst the enthusiasm bubble of enjoying reading.

    As always I'd be interested to find out what interests Alexa and what are her passions. You say that she beams and calls herself a good reader. Even though she is young I'm sure you could have a bit of chat and ask her gently why she enjoys reading. It might help to give her a few examples of why you enjoy reading.

    Following on from what you hear, the conversation can be gently steered to things that you had difficulty in learning and remembering. There is no necessity to fool anyone, they will be areas that have caused anyone difficulties at some stage - even if it is only trying to remember a shopping list or a phone number. More importantly allowing your daughter to gain some insight into realising that adults can find things difficult is that's it OK and that there are ways round it, or other supporting dialogue depending on what has come up.

    I am a big fan of encouraging children to help their parents tap for a genuine reasons and in real current situations. It has so many benefits. If there is a current example of energy disruption that matches what is going on for Alexa all the better.

    "Even though, mummy wanted to fill out the form in a rush because the cashier was waiting, it's OK to take my time, I am a good mummy"

    " Even though mummy missed out a few boxes on the form and had to do it again and I thought I looked silly, I am a good mummy"

    "Even though I thought I looked silly, it realise that it's a hard from to get right, the cashier didn't mind at all, I am a good mummy"

    "Even though I want to do things right, we are all learning all the time and I choose to be calm and relaxed, I am a great mummy".

    There is no need to dive straight into the reading topic at all. Children are exceptional at making the links even if it is not verbalised straight away.

    Having chats may give you more insight into what is going on for Alexa. Perhaps she's so excited that she rushes her reading. I recently worked with a little girl with severe dyslexia( I am not comparing here, just giving an example). When we tapped and relaxed before reading, his stress level fell a lot and his reading improved. He continues to tap a little before approaching any task at school. We have fun ,simple, quick routines so no one stands out if they don't want to.

    Little girls (hate to generalise, but) tend to like to please in school especially at this age.Without any more info I am just making guesses of course. Supporting her her with tapping is a fab idea.

    Hope this gives some food for thought. There are elots of other supporting posts on this forum and I recall posts from me 'tapping for all the family' and others that may help.

    Come back and we can explore futher.

    Best Wishes

    Christine

    Christine Moran
    Parent's Discussion co-moderator
    Bsc. Psy.
    Adv Prac EFT
    Practitioner of MBTI and NLP
    www.eftworld.co.uk - EFT for Children and Young People, Parents and Educators
    Author of the TAP with ME Programme - see website for details
    www.eftworking.co.uk - EFT for adults
    email me at contact@eftworking.co.uk
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